We consider topological quantum memories for a general class of abelian anyon models defined on spin lattices. These are non-universal for quantum computation when restricting to topological operations alone, such as braiding and fusion. The effects of additional non-topological operations, such as spin measurements, are studied. These are shown to allow universal quantum computation, while still utilizing topological protection. Our work gives an insight into the relation between abelian models and their non-abelian counterparts.We consider topological quantum memories for a general class of abelian anyon models defined on spin lattices. These are non-universal for quantum computation when restricting to topological operations alone, such as braiding and fusion. The effects of additional non-topological operations, such as spin measurements, are studied. These are shown to allow universal quantum computation, while still utilizing topological protection. Our work gives an insight into the relation between abelian models and their non-abelian counterparts.

arXiv:0904.4373Apr 28, 20092 citations

Universal Gates from Braiding and Fusing Anyons on Quantum Hardware

Chiu Fan Bowen Lo, Anasuya Lyons, Dan Gresh +8 more

Topological quantum computation encodes quantum information in the internal fusion space of non-Abelian anyonic quasiparticles, whose braiding implements logical gates. This goes beyond Abelian topological order (TO) such as the toric code, as its anyons lack internal structure. However, the simplest non-Abelian generalizations of the toric code do not support universality via braiding alone. Here we demonstrate that such minimally non-Abelian TOs can be made universal by treating anyon fusion as a computational primitive. We prepare a 54-qubit TO wavefunction associated with the smallest non-Abelian group, $S_3$ , on Quantinuum's H2 quantum processor. This phase of matter exhibits cyclic anyon fusion rules, known to underpin universality, which we evidence by trapping a single non-Abelian anyon on the torus. We encode logical qutrits in the nonlocal fusion space of non-Abelian fluxes and, by combining an entangling braiding operation with anyon charge measurements, realize a universal topological gate set and read-out, which we further demonstrate by topologically preparing a magic state. This work establishes $S_3$ TO as simple enough to be prepared efficiently, yet rich enough to enable universal topological quantum computation.Topological quantum computation encodes quantum information in the internal fusion space of non-Abelian anyonic quasiparticles, whose braiding implements logical gates. This goes beyond Abelian topological order (TO) such as the toric code, as its anyons lack internal structure. However, the simplest non-Abelian generalizations of the toric code do not support universality via braiding alone. Here we demonstrate that such minimally non-Abelian TOs can be made universal by treating anyon fusion as a computational primitive. We prepare a 54-qubit TO wavefunction associated with the smallest non-Abelian group, $S_3$, on Quantinuum's H2 quantum processor. This phase of matter exhibits cyclic anyon fusion rules, known to underpin universality, which we evidence by trapping a single non-Abelian anyon on the torus. We encode logical qutrits in the nonlocal fusion space of non-Abelian fluxes and, by combining an entangling braiding operation with anyon charge measurements, realize a universal topological gate set and read-out, which we further demonstrate by topologically preparing a magic state. This work establishes $S_3$ TO as simple enough to be prepared efficiently, yet rich enough to enable universal topological quantum computation.

quant-pharXiv:2601.20956NatureJan 30, 20260 citations

Dissecting topological quantum computation

James R. Wootton

Anyons are quasiparticles that may be realized in two dimensional systems. They come in two types, the simpler Abelian anyons and the more complex non-Abelian anyons. Both of these have been considered as a means for quantum computation, but non-Abelian anyons are usually assumed to be better suited to the task. Here we challenge this view, demonstrating that Abelian anyon models have as much potential as some simple non-Abelian models. First the means to perform quantum computation with Abelian anyon models is considered. These models, like many non-Abelian models, cannot realize universal quantum computation by braiding alone. Non-topological operations must be used in addition, whose complexity depends on the physical means by which the anyons are realized. Here we consider anyons based on spin lattice models, with single spin measurements playing the role of non-topological operations. The computational power achieved by various kinds of measurement is explored and the requirements for universality are determined. The possibility to simulate non-Abelian anyons using Abelian ones is then considered. Finally, a non-Abelian quantum memory is dissected in order to determine the means by which it provides fault-tolerant storage of information. This understanding is then employed to build equivalent quantum memories with Abelian anyon models. The methodology provides with the means to demonstrate that Abelian models have the capability to simulate non-Abelian anyons, and to realize the same computational power and fault-tolerance as non Abelian models. Apart from the intellectual interest in relating topological models with each other, and of understanding the properties of non-Abelian anyons in terms of the simpler Abelian ones, these results can also be applied in the lab. The simpler structure of Abelian anyons means that their physical realization is more straightforward. The demonstration of non-Abelian properties with Abelian models therefore allows features of non-Abelian anyons to be realized with present and near future technology. Based on this possibility, proposals are made here for proof of principle experiments.Anyons are quasiparticles that may be realized in two dimensional systems. They come in two types, the simpler Abelian anyons and the more complex non-Abelian anyons. Both of these have been considered as a means for quantum computation, but non-Abelian anyons are usually assumed to be better suited to the task. Here we challenge this view, demonstrating that Abelian anyon models have as much potential as some simple non-Abelian models. First the means to perform quantum computation with Abelian anyon models is considered. These models, like many non-Abelian models, cannot realize universal quantum computation by braiding alone. Non-topological operations must be used in addition, whose complexity depends on the physical means by which the anyons are realized. Here we consider anyons based on spin lattice models, with single spin measurements playing the role of non-topological operations. The computational power achieved by various kinds of measurement is explored and the requirements for universality are determined. The possibility to simulate non-Abelian anyons using Abelian ones is then considered. Finally, a non-Abelian quantum memory is dissected in order to determine the means by which it provides fault-tolerant storage of information. This understanding is then employed to build equivalent quantum memories with Abelian anyon models. The methodology provides with the means to demonstrate that Abelian models have the capability to simulate non-Abelian anyons, and to realize the same computational power and fault-tolerance as non Abelian models. Apart from the intellectual interest in relating topological models with each other, and of understanding the properties of non-Abelian anyons in terms of the simpler Abelian ones, these results can also be applied in the lab. The simpler structure of Abelian anyons means that their physical realization is more straightforward. The demonstration of non-Abelian properties with Abelian models therefore allows features of non-Abelian anyons to be realized with present and near future technology. Based on this possibility, proposals are made here for proof of principle experiments.

Sep 1, 20102 citations

Universal quantum computation with continuous-variable Abelian anyons

Darran F. Milne, Natalia Korolkova, Peter van Loock

We describe how continuous-variable Abelian anyons, created on the surface of a continuous-variable analog of Kitaev's lattice model can be utilized for quantum computation. In particular, we derive protocols for the implementation of quantum gates using topological operations. We find that the topological operations alone are insufficient for universal quantum computation, which leads us to study additional nontopological operations such as offline squeezing and single-mode measurements. It is shown that these in conjunction with a non-Gaussian element allow for universal quantum computation using continuous-variable Abelian anyons.We describe how continuous-variable Abelian anyons, created on the surface of a continuous-variable analog of Kitaev's lattice model can be utilized for quantum computation. In particular, we derive protocols for the implementation of quantum gates using topological operations. We find that the topological operations alone are insufficient for universal quantum computation, which leads us to study additional nontopological operations such as offline squeezing and single-mode measurements. It is shown that these in conjunction with a non-Gaussian element allow for universal quantum computation using continuous-variable Abelian anyons.

arXiv:1112.5385Physical Review AMay 29, 20127 citations

Universal quantum computation with a non-Abelian topological memory

James R. Wootton, Ville Lahtinen, Jiannis K. Pachos

An explicit lattice realization of a non-Abelian topological memory is presented. The correspondence between logical and physical states is seen directly by use of the stabilizer formalism. The resilience of the encoded states against errors is studied and compared to that of other memories. A set of non-topological operations are proposed to manipulate the encoded states, resulting in universal quantum computation. This work provides insight into the non-local encoding non-Abelian anyons provide at the microscopical level, with an operational characterization of the memories they provide.An explicit lattice realization of a non-Abelian topological memory is presented. The correspondence between logical and physical states is seen directly by use of the stabilizer formalism. The resilience of the encoded states against errors is studied and compared to that of other memories. A set of non-topological operations are proposed to manipulate the encoded states, resulting in universal quantum computation. This work provides insight into the non-local encoding non-Abelian anyons provide at the microscopical level, with an operational characterization of the memories they provide.

arXiv:0906.2748Jun 15, 20090 citations

Interferometric braiding of non-Abelian anyons

Francesco Debortoli, Fabian Grusdt

The manipulation of non-Abelian anyons is a foundational ingredient for topological quantum computing and underlies topologically protected quantum memories. Here we analyze a quantum-impurity-based protocol for braiding non-Abelian anyons. Exploiting mobile impurities with addressable internal spin states, we provide a concrete protocol to experimentally measure the matrix elements of the $R$ and $F$ matrices that characterize the non-Abelian statistics of anyons. In particular, focusing on the case of Ising and Fibonacci anyons, we illustrate how the anyonic nature of the excitations emerges directly in the Ramsey interferometer we propose. Building on this framework, we further introduce a conventional-to-topological qubit encoder to transfer quantum information from conventional flying qubits into a topologically protected quantum memory.The manipulation of non-Abelian anyons is a foundational ingredient for topological quantum computing and underlies topologically protected quantum memories. Here we analyze a quantum-impurity-based protocol for braiding non-Abelian anyons. Exploiting mobile impurities with addressable internal spin states, we provide a concrete protocol to experimentally measure the matrix elements of the $R$ and $F$ matrices that characterize the non-Abelian statistics of anyons. In particular, focusing on the case of Ising and Fibonacci anyons, we illustrate how the anyonic nature of the excitations emerges directly in the Ramsey interferometer we propose. Building on this framework, we further introduce a conventional-to-topological qubit encoder to transfer quantum information from conventional flying qubits into a topologically protected quantum memory.

quant-pharXiv:2610.06203Oct 6, 20260 citations

S_3

, on Quantinuum's H2 quantum processor. This phase of matter exhibits cyclic anyon fusion rules, known to underpin universality, which we evidence by trapping a single non-Abelian anyon on the torus. We encode logical qutrits in the nonlocal fusion space of non-Abelian fluxes and, by combining an entangling braiding operation with anyon charge measurements, realize a universal topological gate set and read-out, which we further demonstrate by topologically preparing a magic state. This work establishes

S_3

TO as simple enough to be prepared efficiently, yet rich enough to enable universal topological quantum computation.

R

and

F

matrices that characterize the non-Abelian statistics of anyons. In particular, focusing on the case of Ising and Fibonacci anyons, we illustrate how the anyonic nature of the excitations emerges directly in the Ramsey interferometer we propose. Building on this framework, we further introduce a conventional-to-topological qubit encoder to transfer quantum information from conventional flying qubits into a topologically protected quantum memory.